The very first time I made rosemary garlic mashed potatoes, it was a total accident. I’d run out of regular herbs, had a sprig of rosemary leftover from a roast, and decided to toss it into my mash along with some minced garlic. That Thanksgiving, my “oops” recipe was the first dish to disappear from the table. Now it’s a SoolFood essential, and a favorite every single fall.
I’m Shaym, and if you’ve followed any of my side dish experiments (especially from my Austin kitchen), you know I’m serious about balance: flavor, ease, and wow factor. This dish nails all three. Creamy, buttery potatoes get a savory upgrade from roasted garlic and fresh rosemary. It’s comforting, aromatic, and just rustic enough to feel homemade without being messy. Friendsgiving? Covered. Cozy fall dinner? Absolutely. Make-ahead for the big day? You bet.
Let’s dig into how to make these rosemary garlic mashed potatoes shine on your Thanksgiving table.
Why Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes Belong on Your Thanksgiving Menu
Rosemary garlic mashed potatoes are the kind of Thanksgiving side that holds its own next to turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings. With just a few pantry staples: butter, cream, garlic, rosemary; they deliver full-on fall flavor in every bite.
Here’s the best part: They’re flexible. You can prep them a day ahead, keep them warm in a slow cooker, or even reheat them without losing that fluffy, creamy texture. Plus, the aroma alone? It screams cozy.
If you’re building your Friendsgiving food ideas, pair this dish with something crispy like our Air Fryer Carrots Recipe, a sweet and smoky side that complements the savory richness of these mashed potatoes beautifully. You can also keep it ultra-seasonal with our Sweet Potato in Air Fryer for a two-toned potato platter.
How to Make Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Recipe Below)
The secret to ultra-creamy mashed potatoes is starting with Yukon Golds and not overworking them. Roasting the garlic adds depth without bitterness, while steeping fresh rosemary in cream infuses the dish without overpowering it.
Need to lighten it up? Swap half the cream for whole milk. Want it richer? Stir in sour cream or even goat cheese. However you mix it, these mashed potatoes hold their own.
Check out our Healthy Air Fryer Recipes if you’re building a lighter Thanksgiving spread, these creamy spuds still deserve a spot, trust me.
🥄 Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Servings: 6–8
Category: Side Dish | Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 head garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (or ½ cup cream + ½ cup milk)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden.
- Boil the potatoes: While garlic roasts, place potatoes in a large pot with salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Infuse the cream: In a small saucepan, heat cream with rosemary over low heat for 5–7 minutes. Remove rosemary sprigs before using.
- Mash: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add butter, squeeze in the roasted garlic cloves, and pour in infused cream. Mash until smooth but still fluffy.
- Season & serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of olive oil or melted butter on top.
🥘 Recipe Summary
These rosemary garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, aromatic, and perfect for Thanksgiving or fall dinner parties. Yukon Gold potatoes get mashed with roasted garlic and rosemary-infused cream for a rich, flavorful twist on the classic side. Easy to make ahead and even easier to love.